2013年03月13日 Tokyo Dust Storm

Dust Storm
It was such a beautiful warm day and I was on my way to meet my friends for lunch in Shinjuku. It was plus 20 degrees so I figured I didn’t need a jacket. Who would figure the weather would change so drastically! By the time I reached the station to change trains, the sky was darkening and the temperature dropping. I’m glad I had brought my mask to protect me from not only pollen and my allergies, but now from the approaching dust cloud too.

In fact the dust cloud or Asian dust (also known as yellow dust, yellow sand, yellow wind or China dust storms) is a seasonal phenomenon which affects much of East Asia sporadically during the springtime months. In recent years, Japan has been concerned with the pollution due to the increase of industrial pollutants contained in the dust and intensified desertification in China causing longer and more frequent occurrences.

However according to the news, this particular occurrence was not an instance of Asian dust, though elements have been traced.

The dust storm that hit Tokyo Sunday afternoon, causing watery eyes and reduced visibility, raised public health concerns and suspicions that the smog contained yellow sand and particulate matter from China.

The Meteorological Agency denied the allegation, explaining that the phenomenon was caused by a sudden cold front and strong winds in the Kanto region that roiled dust on the ground. (Japan Times)

Even still, it was not a good idea to be outside. I think I ended up with a soar throat from the exposure.

2013年03月12日 Visitors to Tokyo (Part Two)

Cliff comes to visit!
A few weeks later my friend Cliff came to visit. With him visiting I know I will be hitting up all the fashion and designer label stores. I’m not a fan of that kind of stuff, but I gotta hang out with my friend and cater by going to the places he wants to see as a visitor and tourist. In a sense, I was a tourist too by viewing Tokyo through fashion savvy eyes! Feels like déjà vu, like his last visit a few years back.

Cliff is moving to Vietnam. All the best on this new chapter of your life! You will soon be a Saigon star, I know it! LOL I’ll be sure to visit once you’re settled.

The fashion tour of Tokyo.

2013年02月11日 Visitors to Tokyo (Part One)

Some of my favorite people come to visit Tokyo!
I was happy to hear my friend/old roommate was coming to Tokyo to visit. It has been ages since I last seen him and having him come was exciting since I hadn’t had anyone come visit in over a year. Ivan has got to be one of my favorite roommates and when I first came to Japan he really helped me get acquainted. When we finally met it was like time hadn’t past. It was like old times!

We met up at Ueno Station where he jumped on my back to greet me! Unfortunately we didn’t have much time as him and his girlfriend were leaving for New York the next day. We spent the evening in Asakusa and visiting Sensoji Temple as most tourist do and walking by the river to see the Tokyo Sky Tree. With a failed attempt to score seats at a popular whale meat restaurant, we moved on and explored the market streets of Ueno and visited the old apartment before ending the evening with kaiten sushi.

I hope to meet him and his girlfriend again this year as I plan to make a trip to Korea where they are currently living. See you again real soon my friend!

At Sensoji Temple (with the Sky Tree in the background) with Ivan and his girlfriend.

I got my fortune at the temple and as fortunes go, it was average.

And of course we gotta end the night with purikura!

2013年01月30日 Where to Skate in Tokyo

Skating
I’m not much of a ice skater. In fact, I think prior I’ve only once or twice in my life actually been skating. People are so shocked to hear that I can’t skate; that being Canadian I automatically should be able to play all forms of winter sports. Sorry to rock your world!

This winter it seemed like a good opportunity to hit the rink and give it go. I fell a bunch a bunch of times and smashed up my knee hard one fall, but it was fun!

February is the peak skating season in Japan. Compared to Europe, ice hockey is the least played sports among the Japanese youth and so was Figure Skating. Figure Skating has gained popularity only after Japan won its first Olympic gold medal in 2006. Today, more and more youngsters are attracted to the sports and can be found enjoying skating rinks during this time of the year. We have rounded up a few of those that are open all year and some that are open for a limited period of time, for you and the family to check out and enjoy together. Have fun gliding this season! (Tokyo Families Magazine)

Citizen Ice Skate Rink
www.citizen-plaza.co.jp
Open all season, 60m — 30m rink authentic hockey by international standards.

●Discount available for group bookings
● Skating classes offered.
● Hours (open year-round)
● Mon-Sat 12am-7:45pm
● Sundays/Holidays 10am-6:30pm
● General Day Pass – adults ¥1,300; children ¥800
● Shoe rental fees (16cm~32cm) ¥500
● Admission ¥400
● Nearest station: Takadanobaba (Tozai and JR Yamanote lines)

Citi Ice Rink in Tokyo Midtown
www.imgjapan.com/rink/
Outdoor rink located in Roppongi Midtown. Rink size 20m x 40m. Open to adults and children.
● Adults (Junior high school students and older) ¥1,500; children ¥1,000
● Shoe, gloves rental available
● 11am-10pm (admission until 9pm)
● Open until Feb 28
● Nearest station: Roppongi (Hibiya, Toei-Oedo lines)

Meiji Jingu Ice Skating Rink
www.meijijingugaien.jp/english/iceskating.html
Open to beginners and professionals and open all seasons. Ideal for figure skating, curling and basic ice skating.
● Shoe rental ¥500 per day
● Adults (high school students and older) ¥1,300 per day
● Children (Junior high school students and younger) ¥900 per day
● Admission fee after 3pm: Adults ¥1,000; children: ¥700; observers: ¥300
● Nearest station: Meijingumae (Chiyoda line) Harajuku (JR lines)

White Sacas (Sacas Akasaka) Skating Rink
http://sacas.net/season_event/index.html
Now, on its third year, Sacas Akasaka “White Sacas” is an outdoor ice-skating rink that has expanded significantly since its opening in 2008. It is by far the largest rink in Tokyo, complete with illuminations and regular events like skate lessons and competitions.

● Operating hours vary according to day. Check calendar online.
● Adults ¥1,000 per day; children ¥500 per day (elementary students and younger)
● Shoe rental: ¥500 per day; gloves ¥500 per day
● Nearest station: Akasaka (Chiyoda line)

Shin Yokohama Skate Center
www.princehotels.co.jp/skate/shinyokohama/price/index.html
Open all season, the skate complex is an ideal practice site for figure skating and ice hockey.

● Adults ¥1,200
● Children ¥700
● Shoe rental: Adults ¥600; children ¥400
● Nearest station: Shin Yokohama (JR Yokohama line)

Kodomo no Kuni Ice Skate Rink
www.kodomonokuni.org/komap_1/skate.html
Famous Children’s Park

● Admission until 3pm
● Frequented by families in winter.
● Adults ¥400
● Children ¥150
● Nearest station: Nagatsuta (Denentoshi line)

2012年12月29日 Frankenweenie Exhibit Shinjuku

Frankenweenie Exhibit
The search for my iPad Mini brought me to Shinjuku at the new superstore Biqlo (ビックロ), which brings to together two well known Japanese shops – Uniqlo and Bic Camera under one roof. The Uniqlo there was promoting their line of Frankenweekenie clothing and merchandise for newly released movie by Tim Burton, which opened in Japan December 15th.

The store even had a mini exhibit of the movie’s stop animation pieces and sets used in the filming. The attention to detail was impressive. You could really tell all the time and effort it took to make such a movie. In an age where we see a lot of computer animation productions, it’s sort of nice to see that things like this still live on.

2012年12月29日 Aki-Oka Artisan

Artisans
While searching for my iPad Mini I discovered this interesting area between Okachimachi and Akihabara. The area really caught my eye as you would never expect  a place like this to be found under the train tracks.

In December 2010, a new spot was born there which gathers together the skills of traditional craftsmen. This new location is called “2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan” and is situated underneath the elevated railway tracks as you walk towards Akihabara along the train tracks from JR Okachimachi Station.

The theme of these facilities is “making things,” and 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan features a group of craftsmen who display their advanced, high quality skills in galleries, studios, cafes, shops, and more. In addition to shopping, attention is being paid to 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan as a place where people can not only watch but also experience; regular workshops are held to allow visitors to try their hand at making things. (Tokyo Tourism Info)

Maybe one day I’ll try something crafty and enjoy a drink at the cafe. I was too occupied with finding an iPad Mini in Akihabara. ^^

2012年12月29日 Where’s My iPad Mini!?

Patiently Waiting for my iPad
I think it was naive of me to think it would be easy to pick up an iPad Mini during the holidays. I went to a bunch of shops and all many were sold out. Though some had the black model in stock; I didn’t want that cause I feel the fingerprints show up more.

There are a bunch of campaigns and carrier plans that tie the iPad Mini to a LTE/4G network. But after weighing in the pros & cons I decided to get a basic stand alone model and pick up a pocket WIFI device instead. I’ve been wanting to change my internet connection to a portable connection for a while anyways.

Lucky for me I went down to Yodobashi Camera and they were having a pocket WIFI/iPad Mini campaign. I managed to get the pocket WIFI at a discount and combined the campaign promotion and store points to get my iPad Mini at a great price! …Now I just have to wait to get my iPad Mini. ^^ They didn’t have it either, but at least all the parts are in motion that I’ll receive one by the end of the month. Here’s hoping!

My pocket WIFI from UQ Wimax.

2012年12月24日 Aka Renga Christmas

Christmas Market 2012
Last year I was in Yokohama showing my friend Nirav around town and we just happened to stumble upon the Christmas Market at Aka Renga (Red Brick Warehouse). This year I wanted to go again and maybe try my hand at some skating and try some of the festive food and drink. The only thing I ended up eating were some of those potato balls. I shouldn’t of had such a large lunch. But Keisuke and I managed to take in the festiveness of the night and enjoy the atmosphere; minus lining up in that ridiculous line to take a picture with the Christmas tree.

Aka Renga Christmas Market 2012

2012年11月28日 Toronto & Eating Too Much

3 Times a Charm!
I can’t believe I’ve been to Toronto 3 separate times this year! One of those times was not for the happiest of reasons, but overall it’s good to come home and see my family and embarrass my cousins. This last trip to Canada I came in November, which I originally didn’t like cause I usually come home for the holidays. But as it turned out the plane tickets were cheaper so I didn’t complain much after that! Though I continue to complain now cause I have to save more money in general. I guess that means I need to budget better :/ … A story for another time!

It’s the usual thing when I go home… I see family, eat, see friends, eat, see more family and friends, AND EAT some more! I’m doomed! There goes that modelling contract!

Arriving at the airport I’m greeted by Tim Hortons. Time for an Ice Cap and donut!

Had a chance to see my friend Heather over dinner at Chili’s. News to me! I didn’t know there was Chili’s in Canada!

Eating with Nirav at Korean BBQ downtown.

Eating with Monica, Steve and Karen at Swiss Chalet. It’s like our annual tradition! Monica sports here new glasses I bought her from Japan and tinfoil grill made from a Lindor chocolate wrapper. I enjoy the chance to eat a poutine Festive Special dinner!

Eating at the Wal-Mart McDonald’s. What?! Chicken McBites and bagel sandwiches!

A visit home wouldn’t be complete without seeing my girl Kat and drinking taro bubble tea.

Butternut squash makes for a delicious soup! Just saying.

Eating at Montana’s and sharing all the dishes. Loving it at the time, regretting it when your pants don’t fit right anymore!

I have no self-control! :(

My Canadian stash I brought back to Japan. For the record this wasn’t all for me! I shared!

2012年11月04日 Himeji Castle Renovation

I’ve Never Been to Himeji… Let’s go!
I wake up one morning in Osaka and think, “Let’s go to Himeji!” Himeji is famous for Himeji Castle and thus was once a castle town. The castle there is probably one of Japan’s most famous.

However the castle is under extensive restoration since 2010. A project to be completed in 5 years time. You can’t see much of castle at the moment and coming to Himeji that’s kind of the point. A special trip to Himeji may not be worth it unless you’re already in the area. None-the-less the trip from Osaka to Himeji was about an hour by train and costed us about 1450 yen one-way. If you’re keen, visit Himeji and judge for yourself.

Himeji Station at the West Exit has a visitors center with a lot of information for tourists on places to visit, things to do and recommended routes for exploration.

Oh look! It’s the castle… naw wait! It’s just a wall poster.

It took some effort to climb atop this statue in these pants! LOL

This is what the castle looks like when you approach the grounds. The castle is blanketed, but you can still visit inside to where you see the two upper floor with windows. This is where they have created a sort of history/renovation museum.

Standing outside the gate with volunteer guards as I eat my ice cream.

Me trying to look unpleased with the renovation. But really the castle grounds are a nice place to look around and take a walk.

If you decide to visit inside, you can check out the progress they are making with the restoration.

The area is windowed off, but you get an idea of what’s going on.

A model of the castle as it is blanketed for the period of restoration.